Leica launches new hybrid detector for single molecule detection and imaging

Leica Microsystems has announced the launch of its new Leica HyD SMD universal hybrid photodetector, a new tool for single molecule detection (SMD) applications.

The device allows for precise measurement of concentrations and observation of fast cellular processes, with a high dynamic range and excellent contrast making it an ideal tool for super-sensitive imaging.

Designed as an upgrade to the existing HyD hybrid detector for confocal imaging, the new product combines the best characteristics of the classic photomultiplier tube with those of highly sensitive avalanche photodiodes.

The detector was presented at the recent annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Washington DC and will also be shown at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology next month.

Leica Microsystems' product manager Dr Lioba Kuschel said: "The Leica HyD SMD is a class of its own. Virtually no detector afterpulsing and a fast instrument response time give precise and reliable data for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime measurement."

The company also announced this week that its Leica EM TIC 3X ion beam milling system has been available with a docking port for vacuum cryo transfer for the first time.